Monday, June 5th
2023 Home Security System Reviews
Brinks Home
- Home security system designed for self-installation
- Professional installation available through Brinks' partners
- Monitoring fees starting at $29.99/month
- All wireless and Wi-Fi, no landline needed
- No lengthy contract when on Nest Secure plan
- In business for over a century
Brinks Home is a home security company that provides 24/7 professional monitoring, smart home automation, and customizable security solutions to protect homes and families. The company has a strong reputation in the industry, with a focus on providing high-quality customer service and reliable security systems.
Wide range of home security products
Brinks Home offers a range of security products and services, including home security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart locks, and environmental sensors. They also offer a mobile app that allows customers to control their security system from anywhere, as well as receive alerts and notifications. Brinks Home has been in the security industry for over 150 years and has earned a number of awards for their services and products.
They don't want to tell you anything upfront
You could say that Brinks Home locks down its pricing information just as tightly as they promise to lock down your property: there is absolutely zero pricing information available without reaching out for a quote. We tried everything; digging through the FAQs, reaching out via live chat (who merely redirected us to asking for a quote online), you name it. That's really frustrating when there are competitors who tell you from the get-go what you can expect to pay for both your equipment and your monitoring, and how long you'll have to be in a contract.
Definitely pushing you to call for a quote
So, that makes it pretty irrelevant when Brinks Home cheerfully says that customers can cancel anytime if they choose a Nest Secure plan - when they don't tell you what that means. Or they say that monitoring starts at $29.99 per month but they don't reveal how long you'll be locked in or what features are included (and excluded) at that price point. It's almost painfully obvious that they want to funnel you to a salesperson who can talk you into signing up for a Brinks home security system. We definitely don't love that.
A few pieces of info in advance
So, here's what you can know upfront: these home security systems are designed to be DIY-installed, but if you decide you need professional help, Brinks will connect you with a pro in their network (so one more hoop to jump through to get up and running, in other words). You don't need a landline for a Brinks Home security system: all of them use cellular/Wi-Fi connections. And if you're not on that aforementioned Nest Secure plan, you will be responsible for the full term of your contract if you try to cancel before it's finished.
Thousands of complaints
Okay, so we've established that Brinks Home won't pull back the curtain until you reach out for a quote, and that there's no sense in rounding up ideas on what other customers have paid because it could change at any time (because who would know, when it's not displayed on the Brinks website). We can still take a look at what the overall experience has been for those who bit the bullet and signed up with Brinks Home - and what we see there is honestly disappointing. The company has a "meh" rating of "B" from the Better Business Bureau, with over 3,000 complaints filed there in the last year. Oh, and then there was this: "Due to the volume of complaints filed against this business, BBB only publishes the details for 5% of the total complaints filed." Alrighty then!
Not getting any better
Customers going to Trustpilot to vent give the same feedback: out of 6,800+ ratings, while 54% give Brinks Home a perfect score, nearly 30% give this home security system a bottom-of-the-pile one-star rating. Why? The BBB puts it succinctly, saying that Brinks Home has a "pattern of complaints concerning difficulty canceling a contract, poor customer service, delayed repairs to monitoring equipment, and billing concerns" - and that was back in spring of 2022. Has it improved since then? Not if you look at the most recent feedback at Trustpilot: within a few weeks of this review, comments described all of those same issues.
It's not working, guys
Brinks Home acts like it's the only player in the home security system industry, almost like they're being mysterious and intriguing in the hope of getting your business. It's not working. For a company that's been in business over 100 years, they sure don't seem to understand that today's customer needs to know what they're getting in advance, even if it's just a ballpark with packages and "starting at" pricing. We could overlook that if Brinks Home had a stellar reputation for client satisfaction but nope, they don't. Try looking at our higher-ranked home security options before choosing a system from Brinks Home.
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Which Home Security System is the Best?
Home security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to protect their homes and families from potential threats. With a wide variety of options available on the market, choosing the right system for your needs can be overwhelming. We can help you take the stress out of the decision-making process and ultimately select a home security setup that's perfect wherever you live.
Let's get started. As you already know, a home security system is a network of electronic devices designed to secure your home against theft, vandalism, and other possible dangers. A typical system may include sensors, cameras, alarms, and monitoring services.
Home Security System FAQ
Continued from above...
Sensors are the backbone of a home security system. They detect any unusual activity in and around your home and alert the system. The most common types of sensors are door and window sensors, motion sensors, and glass-break sensors. Door and window sensors are placed on the frames of doors and windows and detect any movement when the doors or windows are opened or closed. Motion sensors detect movement within a room, while glass-break sensors detect the sound of breaking glass. Pretty self-explanatory.
Cameras are an essential component of many home security systems. They provide visual evidence of any unusual activity around your home and can help identify intruders. Most cameras are connected to the internet, allowing you to view the footage remotely from your phone or computer.
Alarms are designed to alert you and your neighbors to any potential threats. When a sensor is triggered, the alarm will sound, and a notification will be sent to your phone or monitoring service. These companies monitor your home security system 24/7, and if a sensor is triggered, they will usually contact you to verify whether there is a genuine threat. If they are unable to reach you, they will contact the authorities on your behalf.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics of any home security system, what other factors might have an impact on your decision? Here are some criteria to consider:
- Professional install vs. DIY. Professionally-installed systems are designed for those who want a more comprehensive setup, often including cameras, sensors, alarms, and monitoring services. The professional install makes these systems more expensive than DIY systems but provide a higher level of security. DIY systems are designed for those who want affordability and are willing to install and maintain their home security system.
- Cost. Will you pay upfront for the service and/or equipment? What monthly fees are involved? Contracts can often range from 3-5 years, but not every home security system requires one.
- Portability of service. Can you take your home security system with you if you move, either by taking the equipment itself or transferring your contract and having a new install?
- Cancellation. What happens if you decide you don't need a home security system anymore? Many providers have hefty cancellation fees, especially if you signed a lengthy contract in exchange for no upfront equipment costs.
- Trial period. The best home security providers give you a grace period to see how the system works. After all, there's a pretty steep learning curve involved, and you want to make sure your system gives you the coverage and peace of mind you're paying for.
- Satisfaction guarantee/refund policy. Can you get your money back if you don't like how your security system works once it's installed?
- Customer feedback. What do other homeowners have to say about the home security system? Is the customer service team responsive? How often does the system register false alarms?
Top Consumer Reviews brings you the ultimate guide to the best home security systems on the market today. Our comprehensive review and ranking system is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and protect your loved ones both now and in the future.
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